Manual Lymph Drainage

 

Benefits

• Reduces swelling, pain, bruising & scar tissue formation 

• Supports immune response, wound healing & detoxification

• Improves skin tone, texture & mobility 

• Prevents fibrosis & infection 

 

About MLD

MLD is a non-surgical, hands-on medical bodywork modality based on the four basic stokes developed by Dr. Emil Vodder. MLD is the gold standard bodywork method utilized worldwide in the treatment of swelling related conditions such as Lymphedema.

 

MLD techniques gently yet effectively stimulate the lymphatic system to remove excess fluid from the tissues of the body which reduces swelling.  Excess fluid/swelling increases the pressure in the tissues which can cause the circulatory systems to backup; hindering the immune response, wound healing & tissue detoxification. By minimizing swelling we can accelerate the transport of immune cells, oxygen & nutrients as well as increase the elimination of excess protein, toxins, bacteria & cellular debris.

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MLD techniques reduce swelling without causing more swelling & tissue damage to occur; making it vastly different than traditional massage, body contouring & wood therapy techniques.​

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Technique

MLD involves both superficial and deep techniques.

 

The superficial techniques involve a series of gentle, rhythmic, pumping hand movements applied to networks of superficial lymph vessels & collections of lymph nodes located just beneath the skin. The purpose of the superficial stokes is to stretch open the lymph vessels; allowing fluid to entire the lymphatic system which effectively reduces swelling. Scars, incisions, radiation fibrosis, cancer surgery etc. can damage lymphatic structors and cause blockages in lymph pathways; hindering lymph drainage and causing swelling. Superficial MLD techniques can be used to safely reroute fluid away from and/or around blockages into healthy/accessible lymph nodes.

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The deep techniques involve a series of abdominal compressions that accelerate the transport of fluid from your lower body, through your deep lymphatic ducts and back into the blood supply; creating space for additional fluid. Other deep techniques utilize accessory routes located next to the sternum, between the ribs and on either side of the spine; bypassing the superficial lymphatic pathways, bringing excess fluid into the deep system which helps reduce swelling more quickly.

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MLD sessions first begin by activating the deep lymphatic system; increasing the return of existing fluid back into the blood supply which creates a suction effect on the entire system. Next, the lymph nodes are stimulated; accelerating the filtration of existing lymph fluid through the nodes. Finally, gentle skin stretching techniques are applied to the superficial lymph vessels; stretching them open which allows fluid to enter the lymphatic system and travel to the lymph nodes. The fluid is then filtered and is either recirculated back into the blood supply or excreted via the bladder.

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Fascial Release

 

Benefits

• Improves range of motion & postural misalignments

• Decreases muscle & nerve pain

• Decreases sensitivity/touch avoidance

• Breaks up areas of hard, stiff tissue & fibrosis

• Improves soft tissue texture, appearance & mobility

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About fascia, scar tissue & fibrosis

Fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds and connects everything in the body; providing structure, stability, form and facilitating movement. Fascia is adaptive; changing position & shape to support repetitive actions and body positions we engage in everyday. Fascia can become stuck in fixed positions; limiting mobility/range of motion, causing pain & postural misalignments and nerve impingements.  Lack of movement in the fascia can also hinder the circulatory systems ability to keep the tissue adequately hydrated and detoxified.

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Scar tissue formation is a result of the healing process. Protein-rich collagen is used to create scar tissue which mends open wounds & repairs damaged tissues in the body. Injuries can cause adhesions in the tissues; tethering, bones, organs, nerve pathways & surrounding structures together; causing pain and hindering mobility. Scar tissue adhesions can also trap protein-rich fluid in the tissue; increasing your risk of developing fibrosis.

 

Fibrosis can develop in the damaged tissue when protein-rich fluid remains in the tissues for an extended period of time. Excess protein can create an over production of scar tissue; trapping fluid which hardens; creating a lumpy & irregular texture with limited mobility.

 

Technique

Fascial release techniques are effective for the treatment of fascial adhesions, scar tissue & fibrosis. Fascial release, skin rolling & friction bodywork techniques help to eliminate adhesions & reposition the location of the connective tissue; improving mobility; releasing trapped fluid, softening tissue texture and increasing space for skeletal movement, nerves, blood vessels, lymph vessels etc.

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The goal is to improve disfunction's in the soft tissue without causing extreme pain and discomfort. Surpassing a clients pain threshold elicits a "fight of flight" response which causes the body to reject the work. The key to successful bodywork involves a "less is more" approach. Depth and pressure will continually be adjusted to insure the client remains relaxed and comfortable throughout the session.